Son Of Vice President To Attend Lehigh U. Vice President's Son To Attend Lehigh

June 23, 1992|by KEN KUNSMAN, The Morning Call

Pssst. One of Dan Quayle's sons is coming to Lehigh, but don't tell anyone.

Whispers around Bethlehem of the vice president's son choosing Lehigh University were confirmed yesterday by Admissions Director Patricia Boig, who said Tucker Quayle has put down his room deposit and is expected on South Mountain this fall.

"We are looking forward to his being a member of the Class of 1996," said Boig, adding Lehigh didn't want to "see a big deal made out of this."

"How many millions of 17-year-olds will go to college this fall?" Boig said in defense of keeping Tucker's plans quiet.

"We are very sensitive to his situation, and we will try to provide as normal a college experience as is possible," said Boig, who characterized J. Danforth's and Marilyn's son as "a very good student."

Tucker, a lacrosse player, is among 1,050 freshman who will register at Lehigh this August, Boig said. Freshmen must live on campus, eat in the school cafeterias and can't have cars on campus, she said.

The Lehigh experience costs about $22,000 a year, plus books and other incidentals.

Famous Lehigh alumnus and Indy Car owner Roger Penske, recommended Lehigh to the Quayles and accompanied Tucker on his campus tour, said Boig.

"Roger has been very active as an alum of Lehigh in support of the university's activities, and foremost among those is working with young people to present to them the educational opportunities that Lehigh offers," said Dan Luginbuhl, a Penske spokesman. "He has been doing this for a number of years, and with a number of young people.

"In the case of Vice President Quayle, Dan is someone Roger has known for a number of years," Luginbuhl said. "It was through that relationship that when his son started to evaluate different universities that Roger did have that conversation with him."

Luginbuhl also spoke highly of Tucker: "Knowing the Quayles, he's going to expect to be treated like any other student. He's a down-to-earth fellow."

Freshman parents' weekend has not been set yet, but Lehigh's football team plays at home Sept. 12 and 19, Oct. 3 and 24, and Nov. 7.